November 16, 2008

Exercise, fresh air and some treasure hunting!

A little while ago we had a beautiful day here in Wisconsin. With winter coming soon - you take advantage of every nice day you get!

I took the kids letter boxing at a local park. Letter boxing is modern treasure hunting. You get a map and directions to find a box. The box was basically a Rubbermaid box with a secure lid and duct taped in camouflage tape. Inside the box is a notebook and a rubber stamp.

Elijah, helping with the map.

You bring with you a notebook, rubber stamp and an ink pad. Once you find the box you stamp your notebook with the stamp you found and stamp their notebook with the stamp you brought.

Sara finding her first box.

It's really cool to look at the notebook found inside the box. It has all different stamps, people's signature and the date they signed. (our book was over 2 years old!) Once the stamping is done you hide the box again where you found it. (ie. under the rock beneath the oak tree 50 paces east of the river)

Letter Boxing is a great way get some fresh air and enjoy God's beauty. (Plus - it's free!) It teaches kids how to read a map and use it in real life situations. When we got to the park Sara, didn't know which direction north was. I taught her how knowing the time of day and where the sun is can help with knowing which direction you are going. She even used my little trick to help remember North, East, South and West: N = Never, E = Eat, S = Shredded, W = Wheat.

So before winter hits your area learn how to letterbox. It's a lot of fun!If you have older kids check geocatching!